A multi-part compression mold for forming a complex part having a desired fiber alignment, and methods therefor, are disclosed. The multi-part mold comprises at least three sections. Specific arrangements of fiber-bundle-based preforms are introduced to more than one of the mold sections of the multi-part mold, and subjected to compression molding. The arrangements of preforms, in conjunction with the multi-part mold, result in a complex part having fibers that substantially align with anticipated principle stress vectors that arise in the complex part, when in use.

A pressure vessel and a method for producing a pressure vessel are provided. The pressure vessel has a liner and a fiber-reinforced laminate, which surrounds the liner and has a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer, which are incorporated in a matrix material. The method includes: a) providing the liner for storing a fluid, having a cylindrical region and two cap regions at opposite ends of the cylindrical region, b) wrapping a fibrous material impregnated with matrix material around the liner at the cap regions and the cylindrical region to produce the first fiber layer, which is already permeated with matrix material, c) arranging the second fiber layer around the first fiber layer, wherein the second fiber layer is formed by at least one braided sleeve of dry fibers, and d) curing or consolidating the matrix material without supplying additional matrix material to produce the fiber-reinforced laminate.

An injection mold for the manufacture of an axisymmetric part of composite material including a mandrel supporting a fibrous preform and including an annular wall, and a plurality of counter-mold angular sectors assembled on the mandrel and intended to close the mold and to compact the fibrous preform wound on the mandrel. Each angular sector includes an annular base intended to come into contact with the fibrous preform. The annular base extends between the first and second lateral edges in a circumferential direction, the first lateral edge of the annular base of an angular sector being in contact with a second lateral edge of the annular base of an adjacent angular sector.

A mold for manufacturing a turbomachine fan casing of composite material, includes a mandrel around which a fibrous preform of the fan casing is to be wound; counter-mold angular sectors assembled on the external contour of the mandrel which are intended to close the mold and to compact the fibrous preform wound on the mandrel; wherein each angular sector includes a first lateral flange positioned at the first end of the angular sectors and a second lateral flange positioned at a second end of the angular sectors, the first and second lateral flanges cooperating respectively with the second and first lateral flanges of the adjacent angular sectors. An angular sector includes a first groove formed in the first of second lateral flange, a first seal being positioned in the first groove, the first seal to be compressed between the first and second lateral flanges of two adjacent angular sectors.

Systems are provided for fabricating a preform for a fuselage section of an aircraft. The system includes advancing a series of arcuate mandrel sections in a process direction through an assembly line, laying up fiber reinforced material onto the arcuate mandrel sections via layup stations, uniting the series of arcuate mandrel sections into a combined mandrel; and splicing the fiber reinforced material laid-up onto the arcuate mandrel sections.

Described herein are methods and systems for forming composite stringer assemblies or, more specifically, for shaping composite charges while forming these stringer assemblies. A system comprises a bladder, having a bladder core, and a bladder skin. The bladder core is formed from foam. The bladder skin is formed from an elastic material and encloses the bladder core. When a composite stringer assembly is formed, the bladder is positioned over a charge base. The charge base later becomes a stringer base, such as a fuselage section or a wing skin. A charge hat is then positioned over the bladder and is conformed to the bladder. A combination of the bladder skin and the bladder core provides support during this forming operation and later while the stringer assembly is cured. In some examples, the bladder core is collapsible for the removal of the bladder from the cavity of the stringer assembly.

A composite material structure forming method capable of improving the shape and dimensional accuracy inside a composite material structure. The method includes: winding a prepreg (2) around an inner jig (6); stacking a ply (8) on the prepreg (2) wound around the inner jig (6); and forming a composite material structure by providing composite outer plates (4a, 4b) on an outer periphery of the inner jig (6) on which the ply (8) is stacked and mounting divided outer jigs (9) thereon.

A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced resin tube body includes: a preparing step of preparing a cylindrical expandable body having fiber wound therearound; an installing step of installing the expandable body in a mold after the preparing step; a flowing step of flowing resin into the mold, in which the expandable body is placed, after the installing step; and an expanding step of expanding the expandable body toward an inner wall of the mold after the flowing step.

A composite charge is formed between two compression dies into a composite laminate stiffener. The stiffener is contoured along its length by contouring the dies. Wrinkle diffusers attached to, or embedded or incorporated into the tool surfaces of the dies, diffuse wrinkles formed on the inside radius of the stiffener during the contouring.

A tool device and its use for manufacturing a bicycle rim, having opposite rim flanks, a rim well and a rim base and rim flanges configured on the radially outwardly ends of the rim flanks, wherein the tool device includes two molding devices and a circular device. The circular device forms the rim well and the axially inwardly oriented surfaces of the rim flanges. The circular device includes an annular unit of a less elastic material and at least one cover of a more elastic material. Alternately, the molding devices each include a molding unit of a less elastic material and at least one cover of a more elastic material, for attachment thereto. The thickness of the cover is between one eighth of the minimum wall thickness of the rim well of the rim manufactured and eight times the minimum wall thickness of the rim well of the rim manufactured.